Are you having trouble keeping a job? Is it because you are missing work due to depression or another mental illness? There are some excellent mental health providers in Ruston who can help you with that situation. 

Reston is a small town in Northern Louisiana that is well known for its yearly Peach Festival. In fact, it is actually known as the Peach City. Whether you are a fan of peaches or not, if you are suffering from depression or another condition, you may have trouble enjoying any kind of activities. Talk to one of the therapists in Ruston today to start feeling better. 

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Psychologist Sharron Lewis providing different types of therapy in Ruston

Sharron Lewis

Clinician
License Type(s): TX LCSW 107459, LA LCSW 8207
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
24 years offering treatment

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Louisiana. I received my Master of Social Work at the University of Washington in Seattle in 2001. I worked for the Veteran's Administration Hospital in Seattle in inpatient psychiatry for two years before returning to my home state of Louisiana to be near family. Since 2003, I have worked in Child Welfare, Community Mental Health, and private hospital. For the last 13 years, I've been the Clinical Director for an Intensive Outpatient Program, providing group and individual psychotherapy. My therapy style draws from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness, and Self-Compassion Therapy. I tend to center around body-mind based therapies which utilize healing the brain to heal the mind and increasing body awareness. My clients tend to describe me as safe and warm. We will work together to clarify your goals for therapy and to develop an individualized plan of care. My passion is to see individuals grow and heal. I'm excited about being a part of your healing journey. There are many life issues that cause us pain and it is a brave step to begin counseling. Ready to begin!

Psychologist Dr. Gwendolyn Jackson providing different types of therapy in Ruston

Dr. Gwendolyn Jackson

Clinician
License Type(s): LA LCSW 3189
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteem
32 years offering treatment

As a Licensed Therapist, I offer services to children, youth, families, and senior populations. A primary area of focus has included assisting others in healing from emotional wounds and past experiences: such as childhood trauma, physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, childhood maltreatment, neglect or endangerment, domestic violence and unresolved grief. I seek to empower survivors along their journey toward wholeness and wellness. Services are provided in an effort to effectively address those challenging emotions, behaviors, and experiences that maybe adversely affecting the individual and/or family functioning.

Psychologist Curtis Spears providing different types of therapy in Ruston

Curtis Spears

Clinician
License Type(s): FL LMHC MH25766, OR LPC C8585
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
17 years offering treatment

Thank you very much for checking here: I hope to be of service to you. My 17+ years of experience includes many years of counseling and listening, across various cultures, ages and personal client needs, with a few years as adjunct professor at Louisiana State University, Shreveport, LA: 3 years of work as a patient counselor in a hospital psychiatric unit, and 3 years of practice in a pediatric clinic. My current solo practice is empathetic, accepting and non-judgmental, having also practiced as an EAP (employee counselor) in a very large hospital and city system, in which I was required to see anyone for any situation or issue they may bring to counseling. This unique opportunity provided me with insights and understanding of people beyond my own personal scope of experience. I believe this has made me more sensitive to the needs, hurts and stress of the various clients I serve. I am generally available 6 days a week for appointments, because I really do enjoy my practice and my clients. I am licensed in Louisiana, Oregon and Florida and serve clients in those states, as well as in overseas countries. I am old enough to enjoy my 6 children, 14 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchild, together with my wife in a delightful sharing relationship. This creates a relaxed, accepting and strong relationship and family foundation for your counseling needs. My personal strengths hopefully convey to you a caring and positive mindset as we work together. My hobbies are sailing, backpacking, snow skiing and cooking (especially apple pies:) (p.s. In fairness to potential Oregon clients, I want to let you know that I am in the Eastern Time Zone, and regretfully, I can only be available to West Coast clients from 6:00/ am until 1:00 pm :( If this is not workable hours for you, you may wish to find another therapist who may have better hours for your schedule. I felt it was only fair to let you know this in advance.) Also..I can open more hours than what shows on the schedule, so if you need a day/time that is not shown, please message me. Hope to hear from you soon!

Psychologist Angelle Escousse providing different types of therapy in Ruston

Angelle Escousse

Clinician
License Type(s): LA LCSW 4140
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
30 years offering treatment

I received my Master’s degree in Social Work in 1994. Since that time, I have had opportunities to work with adults, children, and families in a variety of settings. Though I have experience with many mental health issues, I would consider my specialties as mood disorders, trauma, relational issues and parenting. My experience has taught me the importance of flexibility when working with a client and their unique circumstances. Treatment techniques and strategies will vary depending on the needs presented. Through the years, my basic core philosophy towards therapy has been strengthened through successes I have witnessed. This philosophy is based on my strong belief that we, as humans, do the best that we can with the circumstances we are given, and that we have the ability to grow and make positive changes. As a therapist, I strive to provide a safe and caring environment, filled with acceptance and empathy, providing guidance and honest feedback to assist in the change process.

Psychologist Eugenia Patru providing different types of therapy in Ruston

Eugenia Patru

Clinician
License Type(s): MI LMSW 6801010282, LA LCSW 1786
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesDepression
35 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Louisiana and Michigan with 35 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping relationship issues. I I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Psychologist Debra (Debbie) Whatley providing different types of therapy in Ruston

Debra (Debbie) Whatley

Clinician
License Type(s): LA LMFT MFT910
Mental Wellness Specialties: AddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefAnger managementSelf esteem
25 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Louisiana with 21 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & anger management. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Psychologist Susan Alaina Muscarella providing different types of therapy in Ruston

Susan Alaina Muscarella

Clinician
License Type(s): LA LPC 11021, TX LPC 84714
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyGriefParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
5 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Texas with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Psychologist Dr. Norma Charles providing different types of therapy in Ruston

Dr. Norma Charles

Clinician
License Type(s): LA Psychologist 1422, FL Psychologist PY6984
Mental Wellness Specialties: AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesDepression
30 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Florida and Louisiana with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, & intimacy related issues. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to provide support & encouragement and empower you in your journey to a better quality of life.

Psychologist Gretchen Dison providing different types of therapy in Ruston

Gretchen Dison

Clinician
License Type(s): LA LPC 3781
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietySleeping disordersSelf esteemDepressionCompassion fatigue
5 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Louisiana with over 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, sleeping disorders, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Psychologist Jennifer Maxie providing different types of therapy in Ruston

Jennifer Maxie

Clinician
License Type(s): LA LPC 5556
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Louisiana with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Psychologist Chelsea Calhoun providing different types of therapy in Ruston

Chelsea Calhoun

Clinician
License Type(s): LA LPC 8530
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
4 years offering treatment

I am a licensed professional counselor in Louisiana. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Psychologist Angela Davis providing different types of therapy in Ruston

Angela Davis

Clinician
License Type(s): LA LPC 4772
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years offering treatment

I have a passion for working with adolescents and adults who feel stuck—trapped in a pattern of bad habits, caught in a cycle of ineffective coping skills, entangled in unhealthy or unsatisfying relationships, or simply unsure of where to go next in life. With years of experience in a small independent high school, I specialize in helping adolescents manage the impacts of ADHD, from symptom management to self-advocacy and obtaining academic accommodations. I maintain certifications as a Clinical Child & Adolescent Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP-CA) and an ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP) to better serve my clients. Additionally, as a wife and mother to 3 kids, I understand the necessity of taking care of your mental health to maintain a healthy family system. I enjoy working with families and couples to improve communication, establish boundaries, and create healthy relationship dynamics overall. Using a strength-based, solution-focused approach, I strive to help you work through your challenges and stressors while improving your self-esteem and relationships. I want to guide clients in developing new coping skills to create balance in their lives, helping them move forward with confidence and peace to reach their goals.

Psychologist Cassondra Gray providing different types of therapy in Ruston

Cassondra Gray

Clinician
License Type(s): LA LPC 9945
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
13 years offering treatment

As a licensed therapist serving Louisiana, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on addressing depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, and family dynamics through a compassionate, culturally responsive lens. I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and person-centered approaches, enabling each individual to gain a deeper understanding of themselves, how their thoughts and emotions influence their behavior, and what strategies work best for them. Therapy is a collaborative process where your lived experience guides the work, and I tailor interventions to meet your unique needs and goals. I offer a supportive space for clients experiencing social anxiety, isolation, attachment challenges, and trauma-related concerns. My therapeutic approach honors each person’s individual journey, with particular sensitivity to women’s experiences and the effects of systemic prejudice and discrimination. I am committed to creating a healing environment that respects individual spiritual beliefs and cultural identities. Grounded in an understanding of the intersections between personal experiences, emotional wellness, and systemic challenges, my work is strength-based and collaborative. Together, we focus on building resilience, improving communication, and cultivating self-compassion to support meaningful and lasting growth.

Psychologist Heather Yokum providing different types of therapy in Ruston

Heather Yokum

Clinician
License Type(s): LA LPC 7586
Mental Wellness Specialties: AddictionsTrauma and abuseCoping with life changes
13 years offering treatment

As a Licensed Professional Counselor in Louisiana, I bring over a decade of dedicated experience supporting individuals navigating complex life challenges. My professional journey is deeply rooted in helping clients heal from addiction, trauma, and significant life transitions. I specialize in creating compassionate, strength-based therapeutic environments where individuals can explore their experiences and develop resilient coping strategies. My approach centers on understanding each person's unique story and empowering them to discover their inner resources for healing and growth. I work collaboratively with clients, particularly those in child, adolescent, and adult populations, to develop personalized strategies that promote emotional well-being and meaningful life transformation. Through evidence-based practices and a trauma-informed lens, I am committed to walking alongside my clients as they build greater self-understanding, emotional regulation, and personal resilience. My goal is to provide a supportive, non-judgmental space where individuals can explore their challenges and rediscover their inherent strengths.

Find a Therapist Near You in Ruston , Louisiana

Finding a licensed therapist near you in Louisiana can be an important step toward improving your mental health and overall well-being. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, stress, or major life changes, working with a qualified mental health professional can offer meaningful support.

Louisiana is home to people with diverse mental health needs across urban, suburban, and rural communities. Online therapy makes it easier to connect with a therapist near you without being limited to nearby offices. BetterHelp connects you with licensed therapists authorized to practice in Louisiana, allowing you to attend sessions online from the comfort of your home.

Why work with a licensed therapist near you?

Working with a licensed therapist near you ensures that your provider meets state licensing requirements and professional standards in Louisiana (LA). Licensed therapists use evidence-based approaches to help individuals manage emotional challenges, develop coping skills, and work toward personal goals.

People seek therapy for many reasons. Some are navigating ongoing mental health concerns, while others want guidance during stressful periods or major life transitions. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to work with a therapist. Many individuals seek therapy to improve communication, strengthen relationships, manage stress, or gain greater self-awareness.

Online therapy can be especially helpful for people living across Louisiana, where access to in-person mental health care may vary by location.

What concerns can therapists help with?

Therapists on BetterHelp support adults across Louisiana with a wide range of mental health concerns and life challenges, including:

Therapists use approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and other evidence-based methods tailored to individual needs.

Online therapy vs. in-person therapy in Louisiana

When searching for a therapist near me in Louisiana, many people compare online therapy with traditional in-person care. Online therapy offers several potential advantages:

  • Greater accessibility: Attend sessions from anywhere with an internet connection
  • Reduced wait times: Many people are matched in as little as  24-48 hours, faster than typical in-person availability
  • Flexible scheduling: Sessions that fit around work, family, or school commitments
  • Expanded provider options: Access licensed therapists across Louisiana, not just nearby offices

Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns. Online therapy may also reduce barriers such as transportation challenges, long commutes, or limited local availability, especially in larger or more rural counties across Louisiana.

Finding a therapist near me that accepts insurance

Many people looking for a therapist near me in Louisiana want to know whether insurance is an option.

Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. Coverage depends on your plan, provider, and therapist availability.

When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by state and provider availability, so it’s important to check your in-network status directly on the BetterHelp site.

If insurance coverage is not available, BetterHelp’s flexible subscription model remains an option, with online therapy typically costing $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price.

How BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in Louisiana

BetterHelp simplifies the process of finding a therapist near you in Louisiana without requiring you to search through tons of profiles on your own.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Complete a brief questionnaire about your needs, preferences, and goals
  2. Get matched with a licensed therapist authorized to practice in Louisiana (LA)
  3. Begin online therapy sessions through video, phone, or live chat

BetterHelp works with one of the world’s largest networks of licensed therapists, with over 30,000 qualified providers globally. Many members are matched in as little as 24 to 48 hours, and 93% of user preferences are met during the matching process.

You can request a new therapist at no additional cost if your needs or preferences change.

Therapists near you in Louisiana

Below, you’ll find licensed therapists authorized to provide online therapy to adults across Louisiana, including residents in Ruston.

Each provider meets state licensing requirements and has experience supporting clients with a wide range of mental health concerns using evidence-based therapeutic approaches.

Please note: Therapists on BetterHelp in Louisiana do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.

Frequently asked questions about finding a therapist near me

How much does therapy cost near me?

Therapy costs vary depending on provider and location. In-person therapy sessions may cost $100 to $200 or more per session. BetterHelp offers online therapy subscriptions that typically range from $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly, depending on factors such as location, source, preferences, and therapist availability. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price. BetterHelp now accepts major insurance plans in select states and members pay an average copay of $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.

Does BetterHelp accept insurance?

Yes. Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.

Is online therapy effective?

Yes. Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship challenges. Online therapy allows you to connect with a licensed therapist without commuting to an office.

Do I need a diagnosis to see a therapist?

No. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to seek therapy. Many people work with a therapist for stress management, relationship concerns, grief, life transitions, or personal growth.

How quickly can I start therapy?

Many people are matched with a licensed therapist in as little as 24 to 48 hours after completing the initial questionnaire. Match times may vary based on preferences and therapist availability.

Can I switch therapists if it’s not the right fit?

Yes. If you feel your therapist is not the right match, you can request to be matched with another licensed provider at no additional cost. You are able to do so through the BetterHelp user portal and select switch therapists if needed.

Is online therapy private and secure?

Online therapy through BetterHelp allows you to communicate with your therapist in a discreet  setting through video, phone, or messaging tools.

Finding therapy with a therapist in Ruston can change your life. Expert therapy provides the most valuable insights into managing stress, building resilience, and nurturing emotional growth. With the personalized guidance and compassionate support, from a licensed mental health therapeutic expert serving clients in your area, you can gain therapy tools to overcome life’s obstacles and improve overall well-being. It's beneficial to embrace therapy in order to unlock new paths toward happiness and lasting self-improvement. Experience renewed strength and clarity with BetterHelp online therapy services and therapists. Seeking expert therapeutic guidance from a seasoned therapy counselor can foster resilience and personal growth. Embracing professional therapy allows individuals to address their emotional challenges effectively while gaining theraprutic insight and self-assurance. Therapy enhances overall well-being, inspires healthier relationships, and empowers you to navigate their life's obstacles with renewed clarity and confidence beyond measure.
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